GET REAL – Embracing Change To Build a Unified Culture
Mergers can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. When TorchLight Hire, a leading marketing staffing and recruiting agency, joined forces with Big Lens (now TorchLight Marketing), a media planning and marketing agency, we knew we had an opportunity to create something special—but also a challenge ahead.
Two companies. Two cultures. Two different specialties. How would this all come together?
Looking back over the past two years, we’ve come a long way. In the beginning, our team felt a mix of emotions: excited, nervous, optimistic, hopeful, and even confused. The unknown can be daunting, but it can also bring unexpected opportunities. The key to our successful transition? Shared values and a “Get Real” mindset.
Despite our differences, we discovered what truly united us: a commitment to service, deep expertise in our area, and a people-first approach. Both teams shared a passion for delivering top marketing solutions, whether through talent acquisition or digital strategy. We care for each other, we care for our clients, and we never lose sight of the bigger picture—helping businesses thrive.
But building that unity took intentional effort. There were many areas we tackled in these last two years but here are some that brought us success:
Meetings (Virtual): Our teams had very different approaches to meeting cadence (both companies were and remain 100% remote). TLM was a more introverted team and held fewer internal meetings, while TLH thrived on weekly meetings. The increased meeting frequency was an adjustment, but by finding a cadence that worked for both teams, we created a structure that encouraged collaboration without overwhelming anyone.
Retreat and Quarterly Meetings (In-Person): Another big shift was embracing in-person meetings. TLH had always prioritized quarterly in-person meetings, while TLM operated entirely remotely with fewer and irregular in-person gatherings. There was initial hesitation from TLM, but after coming together for a retreat in Florida—where we danced, sang, and truly connected—the transformation was undeniable. Even those who were reluctant to attend admitted they were grateful for the experience. Sometimes, people just need a little nudge to embrace something new.
These are just a few ways we blended two unique companies into one thriving team, building trust and landing where we are today.
Now, two years later, our team describes how they feel: energized, empowered, curious, happy, grateful, invigorated, impassioned, and excited. The synergy we hoped for is now our reality.
For leaders navigating a merger—communicate. If you don’t, your team will fill in the blanks on their own. For team members—ask questions, stay open-minded, and embrace change. The best may be yet to come!